Alaskan Klee Kai

Full name: Alaskan Klee Kai Dog

Type: Small / medium dog

Alias: AKK, Klee Kai, Mini Husky, Miniature Alaskan Husky

Height :Standard 15-17.5 inches (38-42 cm) Height :Miniature 13-15 inches (33-39 cm) Height :Toy under 13 inches (33 cm)

English name: Alaskan Klee Kai

Country of Origin: United States

Weight: Standard 23 pounds (10 kg) Weight: Miniature 15 pounds (7 kg) Weight: Toy under 10 pounds (4.3 kg)

Hair length: Shorthair

Function: Northern

Life: About 10-13 years

History

The Alaskan Klee Kai was developed by Linda S. Spurlin and her family of Wasilla, to be a companion-sized version of the Alaskan Husky. From the early 1970s throughout 1988, the Spurlins carefully selected dogs who met their high standards for appearance and soundness. The breeds that went into the making of the AKK were the Alaskan Husky, Siberian Husky, American Eskimo and the Schipperke. In 1988, they made the Alaskan Klee Kai available to others. Mrs Spurlin and subsequent breeders of the Alaskan Klee Kai were and are determined to avoid health and temperament problems in their developing breed, even though it has meant prolonged growth in the numbers of Alaskan Klee Kais. The Alaskan Klee Kai is still scarce today. The United Kennel Club accepted them on January 1, 1997.

Appearance

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a breed of dog that reflects its northern breed heritage. Although in a downsized version. The Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Husky comprise the significant part of the genetic makeup of this breed; thus it is expected that the breed would be the smaller version of the aforementioned northern breeds. This miniature breed though looks more like a Siberian Husky than an Alaskan Husky. The head of a Klee Klai is proportionate to the size of its body. The head is free of wrinkles. The skull is rather broad and slightly domed. The muzzle tapers to a black nose. Red and white-coated individuals may have liver-coloured noses. Tightly closed lips are usually black. Medium-sized almond-shaped eyes are set obliquely. The eyes of a Klee Kai can be of any colour. The dog may even have eyes with different colour combinations. Triangular well-furred ears are pricked and point upwards.

The length of an Alaskan Klee Kai’s body is slightly longer than the height. The dog has a level topline, a moderately broad chest that reaches the level of the elbows and a slightly tucked up belly. The Medium length neck is arched and carried slightly forward when the dog is trotting. The well-furred tail is set on below the level of the topline. When relaxed, the tail usually hangs down on the side of the body. On the move, the tail forms a loose curl and falls above the back.

A double coat gives the dog a well-furred appearance. However, the coat is not excessively long to hide the natural form of the dog. The hair on the neck forms a ruff; the tail is well covered with hair too. The base and the underside of the tail are covered with long hair. Any coat colour is acceptable for this breed. An Alaskan Klee Klai may have a mask and symmetrical markings.

Body type

Ideal size Height: Standard: 15-17.5 inches (38-42 cm) Miniature: 13-15 inches (33-39 cm) Toy: under 13 inches (33 cm)

Weight: Standard: 23 pounds (10 kg) Miniature: 15 pounds (7 kg) Toy: under 10 pounds (4.3 kg)

Temperament

Alaskan Klee Kais make excellent companions, but they are a comparatively high-maintenance breed. They bark a lot, shed, and are hyper. If trained appropriately and sufficiently exercised, the race will settle down and become a wonderful family pet. They are docile, incredibly loving, and have a cheerful disposition.

Alaskan Klee Kais are a very high energy breed and will not be for everyone. A large amount of time and energy are needed for this breed to keep the dog properly exercised and trained. This dog is not recommended for first-time dog owners. Due to their natural reserved/cautious behaviour around strangers, the Alaskan Klee Kai make excellent watchdogs. Because of there skittish personally, early on constant socialization is highly recommended.

Care

Because of their small stature, Alaskan Klee Kais are beautiful in an apartment-style living situation. A small yard is ideal, but they can do okay without one as long as they are exercised regularly.

Alaskan Klee Kais have a long, lush coat that needs to be combed and brushed regularly. They are average shedders.

Alaskan Klee Kais have a double coat which they blow about twice a year. Routine brushing and bathing recommended. No other special maintenance required. Socialization is a big must for this breed! Obedience classes are recommended. Exercise is also a must for this breed. If they don’t get proper daily training, this breed can quickly get frustrated, which will cause problems in the future. Ninety minutes a day of exercise is recommended.

They are generally considered a healthy breed. However, significant issues found in the race include Hypothyroidism, Heart murmurs, Patella Luxation, Retained Testicles, Factor VII, and Pyometra.